Saudi Arabia: Talk Radio & Free Speech

Salama al-Zaid's radio program is an example of the inevitable changes that occur as media in Saudi Arabia becomes more accessible. New York Times correspondent Hassan Fattah, who was a guest lecture in our broadcast journalism class, writes,"In recent years, King Abdullah has encouraged more open discussion, eased restrictions on women and put some restraints on the country’s dreaded vice police, in an attempt at social, if not political, change." More on al-Zaid and his "uncensored" program here. Also worth noting: the story was front and centre on the New York Times home page.